What health benefits do these two dishes provide for mothers after childbirth that they are so frequently consumed?
After going through childbirth, mothers need proper rest and careful care to recover their health. Many women share that among ten who have given birth, all ten are advised to eat bitter melon soup and stir-fried lean meat with turmeric. Many new mothers find themselves eating these dishes 2-3 times a day for an entire month. So why are these two dishes so commonly used?
What are the benefits of bitter melon soup for postpartum mothers?
Quickly cleans the postpartum discharge and prevents retained placenta: Bitter melon has the effect of stimulating uterine contractions, helping to expel all fluids from the uterus and is very effective in reducing inflammation. Therefore, it is recommended for women after childbirth to reduce the risk of retained placenta.
Bitter melon soup.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Lam – Deputy Director of the National Institute of Nutrition states: “During labor, the mother’s uterus expands to allow the baby to come out easily. After childbirth, the uterine lining will shed along with clots of blood and mucus, a phenomenon known as lochia. Depending on each individual’s constitution, the amount of lochia can vary, but typically this process lasts from 2-6 weeks. Bitter melon is very beneficial for postpartum women in expelling lochia from the body.”
- Increases breast milk production: Bitter melon leaves contain nutrients such as calcium, protein, phosphorus, fats, vitamins A, B, C, iron, and other fatty compounds. Therefore, consuming bitter melon after childbirth helps increase breast milk supply, which is attributed to the hormonal effects of the estrogen-like sterols present in bitter melon.
- Treats constipation: Bitter melon is high in fiber and has a nourishing effect, making it an effective solution for preventing constipation. Women after childbirth should consume bitter melon to aid digestion while replenishing fluids lost during delivery.
- Reduces the risk of postpartum infections: Bitter melon contains a significant amount of vitamin C, which helps the body synthesize and produce collagen and transport fats. Additionally, it aids in regulating cholesterol levels and boosting the immune system, helping postpartum women avoid many illnesses. Moreover, vitamin C plays a role in healing wounds and improving brain function.
- Enhances immune function: The calcium found in bitter melon is essential for women after childbirth. This natural calcium source helps prevent high blood pressure and issues related to bone health in postpartum women.
While bitter melon is beneficial for postpartum women, it’s important to note: Consuming too much bitter melon or eating it raw can lead to poisoning (due to heavy metal contamination) or lung damage. The best practice is to cook bitter melon before consuming it, as boiling helps reduce or eliminate toxins.
According to a survey in Taiwan, individuals who consumed fresh bitter melon juice (150g) for extended periods ranging from 2 weeks to 7 months encountered symptoms such as insomnia, poor appetite, and difficulty breathing. Therefore, postpartum women should only consume a small amount of bitter melon daily (a maximum of 50g/day) and should not eat it continuously for more than 3 months.
What are the benefits of stir-fried lean meat with turmeric for postpartum mothers?
Turmeric has many benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and blood-boosting properties. Meanwhile, lean meat is nutritious and benign. Therefore, postpartum mothers should consume this dish to restore their health.
Additionally, turmeric is a warm spice with a spicy, bitter flavor commonly used worldwide. This spice has anti-inflammatory properties, boosts immunity, and prevents infections. Turmeric also has healing abilities, preventing bacterial infections in wounds.
Moreover, incorporating turmeric into daily meals or as a snack can help postpartum women recover from surgical incisions and detoxify accumulated toxins in the body.
The nutritional content of this meat is quite high, meeting the body’s full nutritional needs.
Furthermore, lean meat contains vitamins A and D found abundantly in animal liver and kidneys, and it is rich in vitamin B1, which supports the nervous system effectively. The nutritional value of this meat is also quite high, fulfilling the body’s nutritional requirements.
However, it is essential to consume pork in moderation, as excess energy, particularly from animal fats, can easily lead to weight gain, fat accumulation, and related health issues such as high blood pressure and dyslipidemia.
While eating stir-fried lean meat with turmeric is beneficial, postpartum mothers should be cautious: Do not consume turmeric and Western medicine simultaneously, as this can be detrimental to the blood. It is best to wait about 2-3 hours between consuming turmeric and taking medication, with turmeric taken before the medication.
